International investors are more likely to invest in Turkey in the next six months as compared to the previous half year as a recent survey conducted by the International Investors Association (YASED) finds expectation for an 8 percent increase in foreign investment sentiment.

YASED released the results of this year's first Barometer Survey -- conducted semi-annually to determine the views of foreign investors in Turkey – on Tuesday in Istanbul.

The survey indicates that 45 percent of respondents plan to invest in Turkey in the coming six months. This number was 37 percent in the previous survey, which was released in October.

Among the sectors likely to enjoy an increase in foreign direct investments (FDI) in the coming six months, YASED members cited energy, automotive and financial services. Research and development (R&D) industry ranked fifth, following fast moving consumer goods (FMCG).

Among YASED members who responded to the questionnaire that formed the basis of the report, 34 percent said they have no plans for new investment in Turkey, while 21 percent said they have not made their decisions yet. Also, 44 percent of the respondents said they expect market conditions in Turkey would improve to favor foreign investments in the next 6 months, while 38 percent said it would remain unchanged.

Fifty percent of the respondents said they managed to reach company targets for production in the second half of last year, while 40 percent said they realized this target “to a great extent.” Only 10 percent said they remained below corporate target for production in the last six months of last year.

As regards employment in the coming six months, 41 percent said they would hire new personnel.